Scotland ready to welcome the New Year

The final preparations for Hogmanay parties across Scotland are being made today and tomorrow. With the welcome news that all homes across Scotland have now had their power supply restored people can really look forward to the Hogmanay festivities Transport Minister Keith Brown said today.

Keith Brown said:

“The recent storms that hit Scotland over the last few days may have caused disruption to the Christmas festivities but the latest information from the Met Office suggests normal December weather for Hogmanay which means people can celebrate the New Year across Scotland as planned. I would encourage everyone to check their local event arrangements and local travel arrangements on Tuesday.

“We are expecting the weather to be usual for a December in Scotland so I would urge everyone to wrap up warm and get out there and make the most of the celebration parties being hosted across the country. Hogmanay is a time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the year to come. With the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and, of course, the Referendum to come in 2014, people can be sure of an exciting year ahead for Scotland.

“We must never be complacent however, so while organisers continue to plan their events the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room will remain open into the New Year. This will allow us to plan for the best while being prepared for the worst and will allow the Scottish Government, emergency services, transport agencies and utility companies to work together quickly to adapt planning to any unforeseen weather events. I will personally visit the Multi Agency Response Team on the evening of Hogmanay to oversee any final arrangements.

“I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.”

Penny Dougherty speaking on behalf of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said:

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will enjoy three days of celebrations starting tomorrow with the Torchlight Procession which will launch the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014. “Scotland’s Big Year Starts Here” when 80,000 revellers from around the globe welcome the New Year at the world famous Street Party and can also enjoy free night bus services supported by Diageo and Lothian Buses, taking them home safely across the capital. Hogmanay Services will run from after the bells until 4am.”

Notes to editors

The Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland website provides the public with a range of advice and information on preparing for winter weather. Further information is available at www.readyscotland.org

CalMac travellers should check the website: www.calmac.co.uk for the latest information. The passenger service between Gourock and Dunoon operated by CalMac’s sister company, Argyll Ferries, may also be affected. The latest information on that service can be found at www.argyllferries.co.uk.

Rail, ferries and air users should check with individual service operators’ websites.

For more advice and guidance: www.sepa.org.uk/flooding or via Floodline 0845 9881188 At 10am every day SEPA issues to registered media a summary of Flood Warnings & Alerts currently in force. When there are Warnings in force this gets issued more frequently, usually every four hours. If your organisation has not signed up for this free bulletin and you would like it, please request it by emailing flooding@sepa.org.uk